Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 4 medium parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks (or substitute turnips, radish or other roots)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• ½ tsp dried thyme (or ½ tbsp fresh thyme)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra depth)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the carrots and parsnips with olive oil, honey, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using).
3. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and caramelized.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar (if using) and toss gently before serving.

Notes:

• For extra crunch, sprinkle roasted nuts or seeds before serving.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for warmth or red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Serve with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Enjoy this simple, nourishing side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of root vegetables!

A Personal Reflection on Parsnips

I have always loved the idea of parsnips—this unique winter vegetable with a sweetness that’s just a little bit different from the familiar carrot. There’s something about the earthy flavor combined with that hint of sweetness that feels like a seasonal farm-fresh treat, something special to look forward to. It’s a nutrient-dense root vegetable that carries its own charm, almost like a forgotten gem waiting to be rediscovered in the kitchen.

Why Parsnips Aren’t My Favorite in Soup or Stew

But, to my surprise, parsnips and I don’t always get along when it comes to soups and stews. I’ve tried adding them to the pot, thinking they would blend in with the rest of the ingredients, but their distinct sweetness tends to stand out too much. It’s a bit overwhelming, like that one bold guest at a dinner party who can’t help but take the spotlight. In a stew, it just doesn’t work for me.

Roasting Parsnips: The Perfect Winter Dish

However, when I roast organic parsnips from our farm, it’s a whole different story. The heat draws out their natural sweetness in a way that’s soft and caramelized, without overwhelming the dish. I love the crispy edges and the tender center—they’re a perfect winter side dish, especially when paired with fresh, locally grown carrots.

Roasting with Rainbow Carrots

And if you’re lucky enough to have rainbow carrots from a local farm, well, it’s a match made in seasonal eating heaven! The colors and flavors meld beautifully, creating a warm, comforting dish that’s so simple, yet so satisfying.

Roast Your Parsnips for a Nourishing Meal

So, my advice? If you have organic parsnips, roast them. Whether on their own or with farm-fresh carrots, they’re a winter delight that’s worth savoring in its purest form.

At Willow Haven Farm, we’re here to help you bring healthy, organic food to your table. Whether you’re looking for nutrient-dense root vegetables or other seasonal farm-fresh ingredients, we’ve got you covered.

We support your desire to have a good, healthy way of life and organic farm food on your table that supports that goal.

Reuben and Tessa DeMaster
Willow Haven Farm

Shop Our Organic Produce Now

P.S. Tell me how you like your parsnips. Any favorite recipes?

Are you on a mission to feed your family the best food possible—fresh, local, nutrient-dense?

Maybe you know that joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm is a great way to do that. You’ll get fresh-picked, seasonal produce, support small farms, and feel good knowing exactly where your food comes from.

But now comes the hard part: choosing the right CSA. There are many options in the Lehigh Valley.

Some CSAs offer farm pick-ups, while others have home delivery routes. Some let you choose what’s in your box, while others provide a set selection each week. One farm might focus on organic vegetables, while another includes dairy, eggs, or even fresh bread.

But there’s the bigger question: Which local CSA farm truly aligns with your values?

You’re not just looking for vegetables—you’re looking for a deeper connection to your food, your farmers, and a way of life that supports real health and sustainability.

We’ve been in your shoes. 

Before we started Willow Haven Farm, we were CSA members ourselves, picking up our farm share from a neighbor’s porch. We remember the excitement of unpacking our box each week, discovering new vegetables, and figuring out how to cook them. That experience shaped our vision for our own farm—one that doesn’t just deliver food but nurtures a community.

So how do you find the best CSA for your family?

This guide will help you ask the right questions, and confidently choose a CSA in the Lehigh Valley that fits your life and values. Maybe you’ll discover that our Market Box CSA fits you the best. But if not, that’s okay. I want you to have a great CSA experience with any of the Lehigh Valley’s excellent farmers so that you’ll become a local food supporter and seasonal eater for life.

How to Find CSA farms in the Lehigh Valley

Once you’ve decided that a CSA is the right choice for your family, the next step is finding the right farm—one that fits your needs, lifestyle, and values.

The best resource for exploring CSAs in the greater Lehigh Valley is the CSA Directory on Buy Fresh Buy Local. This directory is region-specific and regularly updated, making it the most reliable way to find farms offering CSA programs near you. You’ll get details on each farm’s offerings, pick-up sites, and farm practices to help you make an informed choice.

Another tool is LocalHarvest.org, which lets you search for CSAs by zip code. While it’s a useful national database, some farm listings may be outdated, so it’s always a good idea to visit the farm’s website or contact them directly to confirm their current CSA details.

Beyond online searches, you can’t beat word of mouth. If someone you know has a great experience with a particular farm’s CSA, there’s a good chance you will too. But if you have particular needs, you’ll want to research your options with your questions in mind.

Once you have a list of potential CSAs, how do you compare them? We’ll walk you through the key questions to ask in the next section.

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Local CSA

With so many options in the Lehigh Valley, how do you decide which CSA is the best fit for your family?

Each farm has a unique approach so understanding the details will help you make the right choice.

First, decide what matters most to you: convenience or values? This will help you prioritize the  answers to all the remaining questions.

Choosing a CSA that aligns with your values—such as organic practices, certifications, or supporting a small, local farm—may require more effort, like driving to a farm pick-up or accepting a set selection of produce.

On the other hand, prioritizing convenience with home delivery might mean missing out on the close-knit community feel of meeting your farmer in person and getting to know other members. But home delivery might be the key to making a CSA work for you. If making sure that the nutrient dense food you need is delivered to your door all year round is the way for you to de-stress so you can provide clean food you can trust to your family – then go for it.

To make this even easier, I’ve put together  a How to Choose a CSA Checklist to help you evaluate your options side by side. Download it now and use it as your guide to finding the best CSA for you!

The key is finding the right balance for your family’s needs.

1. What are the pick-up and delivery options?

Convenience matters. I’ve learned that your CSA needs to fit into your life in order for it to make a long term difference. It should be a net positive for your family. If driving to the farm or pick up location at a certain time each week becomes a burden, it’s likely you’ll regret your choice to join.

Some CSAs offer on-farm pick-up, while others have multiple drop-off locations or even home delivery throughout the Lehigh Valley. The key is finding an option that fits seamlessly into your weekly routine.

Farmer Reuben began home delivery to busy, working couples, moms with young children, seniors who can’t get out easily and everyone in between since 2009 – our first year farming. Again and again our farm members tell us what a difference it makes in their lives to have local food they can trust delivered to their door.

It shouldn’t be hard to get nutritious food you need for your family.

2. What types of shares do they offer?

Every CSA structures its shares differently. Some farms offer one standard-size box while others have multiple size options.

Consider how much produce your household can realistically use each week.

A smaller share might be ideal for smaller families or those new to CSA, while larger families or avid home cooks may prefer a larger share.

Pro-Tip: If you want to focus on food security and stocking up food for your family, you’ll definitely want to invest in a “larger” option.

This is where Willow Haven Farm is most unique on the Lehigh Valley CSA scene. We offer three membership levels with incentives and perks to fit your needs. You can read more about our customizable Farmer’s Favorites produce bundles here. We’ll pick the best of the season to start your order but you’ll pick and choose from everything we offer that week.

When comparing and choosing a CSA, you’ll want to decide how important your level of choice is to you.

• Experience and learn to eat with the season using what is planned by the farmer as a set share
• Choose what you want from a farm stand using your pre-paid credits?
• Full control of your local produce and food selections and less trips to the grocery store?

What’s in the Box? Understanding CSA Offerings

Each farm offers a different variety of products in their CSA, and understanding what you’ll actually get each week is key to making the right choice.

3. What kind of produce does the CSA provide?

Not all CSAs grow the same types of crops.

Some focus exclusively on staple vegetables, while others offer a diverse mix of greens, root vegetables, heirloom varieties, and even fruit.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a wide variety, or do you prefer a more “normal” selection?
• Does the farm provide extras like herbs, fruit or interesting varieties you don’t find in a store?
• Does the farm provide a list or guide of what to expect during the season?

4. Can you add extras like eggs, fruit, dairy, meat or bread?

Some CSAs are strictly produce-only, while others allow you to customize your share with farm-fresh add-ons like pastured eggs, raw milk, sourdough bread, meat or even chef-made ready to eat items.

Think about how much you’d love to replace grocery store trips with farm-fresh food from trusted local sources.

Lehigh Valley CSA farms offer many add ons.  You’ll need to decide what you want from you farmer and how much choice and commitment you want to make to each “extra.”

When we started offering “add on” shares, members committed to a whole season of that item in whatever variety we chose. For instance, weekly eggs; or a rotation of local cheeses picked by the farmer or cheesemaker. You’ll find add-ons like this from several farms. Just remember, you commit for a set number of weeks and you don’t get to choose your varieties – enjoy the experience of trying new foods.

Other farms offer “add ons” that you choose when you select from their market stand or online shop.

A fully customizable Market Box Style CSA allows you to add anything in the online store to your box. You customize your produce, then add specific items according to your desire. Want to see what it looks like to shop for a Market Box?

6. What are the Farm’s Growing Practices?

The way your food is grown matters.When comparing CSAs, look at the farm’s values and practices:

• Certified Organic – The farm follows strict USDA organic standards, avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. This involves extra fees and hours of paperwork to complete each year which is often difficult for small farm businesses to maintain. Soil health is supposed to be a part of organic farming but USDA organic certifiers have allowed compromises when it comes to soil based farming when they approved “hydroponic farming” which involves no soil at all. Just so you know.
• Beyond Organic, Naturally Grown, Regenerative, Bio-Dynamic or Organically Grown – Some small farms use organic methods but choose not to go through the costly certification process. Sometimes they’ll even use extra practices that build soil health but aren’t necessarily a part of any particular certification.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It’s a farming approach that uses a combination of biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. Some farms use IPM as an alternative to organic practices, reducing chemical use while still allowing synthetic and chemical interventions when needed.

You’ll need to pay attention to the words used by each farm in describing their practices. If you have questions about what they mean, ask the farmers. They are usually happy and willing to explain. If you want to ask me questions, email us at farmer@willowhavenfarmpa.com

7. How Long is the CSA Season?

Not all CSAs run for the same length of time. Some are strictly summer-based, while others offer extended or even year-round options.

• Short Season (10–12 weeks) – A great choice if you want to try a CSA without a long commitment.
• Full Season (20–26 weeks) – Covers spring, summer, and fall harvests.
• Year-Round CSA – Some farms offer winter shares with storage crops, greenhouse grown greens, mushrooms, eggs, dairy, bread and other farm goods. Farm members love knowing they can rely on real, local food all year long. Willow Haven Farm offers a 50 week, year round CSA.

Pro-Tip: One thing to consider is, where will you get fresh farm food when your CSA season ends? You’ll develop new skills and healthy habits that will promote your well being and change your tastes. What options will you have next winter?

How to choose CSA that Works for Your Life: Payment Options & Flexibility

One of the biggest concerns when joining a CSA is flexibility—because let’s be honest, life doesn’t always follow a perfect schedule. What happens if you go on vacation? How do payments work? What if you’re new to CSA and not sure if it’s the right fit?

Different farms handle these questions in different ways, so here’s what to consider when choosing a CSA that fits your needs.

8. What Are the Payment Options?

Some farms require full payment upfront, while others offer installment plans or even work-share programs where you can trade labor for a share. Is a credit card required? Can you “pay as you go” each week?

9. What Happens If You Go on Vacation?

It’s inevitable—you’ll have a trip planned or a busy week when you just can’t pick up your share.

Some CSAs are strict about this, but we know life happens!

Some farms allow these types of options:

• Pause your share for a week and pick up double the next.
• Gift your share to a friend or neighbor so your food doesn’t go to waste.
• Donate your share to a local family in need or food bank.
• Reschedule or swap pickup locations (when available).

We want your CSA experience to be stress-free and adaptable—because eating healthy, local food should be easy, not a hassle. So choose a CSA that has the flexibility that you need.

10.What Is the Cancellation Policy?

Before committing to a CSA, check the farm’s cancellation policy. Some CSAs require a full-season commitment with no refunds, while others offer flexibility if your circumstances change. Policies may vary: you might be able to transfer your share to a friend or get a partial refund for the remainder of the season or downgrade to a smaller share. Understanding the farm’s policies upfront helps avoid surprises and ensures the CSA fits your lifestyle.

To make this even easier, I’ve put together  a How to Choose a CSA Checklist to help you evaluate your options side by side. Download it now and use it as your guide to finding the best CSA for you!

Why your CSA Membership Matters

Ok, phew! You made it this far.

If you are still reading, you might be ready to join a CSA.

But here’s a really important question.  Are you ready to be the kind of farm member your farmer can count on?

If you don’t join a CSA with the intention of supporting a farmer and your local food system, you aren’t the best fit for a CSA.

Your farmers depend on being able to sell what they produce to a certain number of farm members in order to have the money they need to pay taxes on their land, farm and labor insurance, pay their staff and farm workers, buy seeds and supplies for the next season, and provide for their own families.

If you quit, you inevitably make their already hard work even harder and less sustainable.

Consider your farm membership an investment in more than just your future food—you are investing in your farmer, your community, and your local food system—and most importantly, your children’s and grandchildren’s access to locally and sustainably grown food.

Is CSA Right for You?

By now, I hope you know the answer. But guess what?

It’s perfectly okay if joining a CSA isn’t the right fit for you.

There are many ways to support local agriculture and enjoy fresh, seasonal food. You might explore local farm stands, shop at independent stores that source directly from local farmers, or even start your own garden. Each choice helps sustain your community and keeps you connected to where your food comes from.

If you’ve decided to go for it do some final research to help you find the perfect fit.

Final Steps: Finding the Perfect CSA for You

Before you commit, take a few minutes to see what real members are saying about the CSA you’re considering.

You want to know if a farm truly delivers on its promises, right? Here are some practical tips to help you gather that insight:

• Google & Facebook: Start by searching the farm’s name on Google and Facebook. Read through reviews and see what people love—and what they don’t. Ask yourself:
  • Are members happy with the quality of their food?
  • What are the biggest complaints? (Remember, every farm has a few!)
  • Are the reviews recent and consistent?
  • Does the farm offer more than just a box of vegetables—such as recipes, farm events, or opportunities for personal connection?
• Farm Websites: Many farms, including ours, have a testimonials page where you can read real feedback from current members.
• Local Directories: Check directories like LocalHarvest.org. These resources sometimes include ratings and reviews that can provide additional perspective.
• Community Groups: Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth. Ask in local Facebook groups or community forums—chances are, someone in your circle has experience with a CSA.

These final steps can help ensure that your choice aligns with your goals.

Look for signs from the farm community that others are experiencing the benefits you’re seeking. Whether it’s the quality of the produce, the extra support like recipe guides and events, or the overall sense of community, the right CSA will help you build healthy habits and make the most of your fresh farm food.

This decision is not just about receiving a weekly box—it’s an investment in your health, your local food system, and the future well-being of your community, your children, and your grandchildren.

Want to see what people say about Willow Haven Farm?
Read Our Google Reviews
See What Members Say on Facebook

Hearing from real members can give you the confidence to choose a farm that fits your family’s needs. Don’t skip this step—it’s worth it!

Now It’s Time for You to Decide Your CSA Farmer

Before you make your decision, remember—every family has different priorities. Some of these questions will matter more to you than others, and that’s okay.

Is pick-up location more important than cost? Do you value flexibility over structure? Will you use the extras like recipes, events, or customizable shares? Do you want to know your farmer personally, or are you simply after the freshest, local food you can find?

This guide is here to help you weigh what matters most. CSAs aren’t one-size-fits-all, and not all farms operate the same way. Each has its own strengths, style, and community. Finding the right fit means making sure your expectations align with what the farm offers.

I’d love for you to check out our farm’s CSA here in the Lehigh Valley and if we’re the right match, we’ll take great care of you. But more than anything, I want you to make a confident choice—one that truly serves your family’s needs.

To make this even easier, I’ve put together a CSA Comparison Checklist to help you evaluate your options side by side. Download it now and use it as your guide to finding the best CSA for you!

Get Your Free CSA Checklist

You need the confidence that knowledge from a clinical expert can give you so you can advance to the next level in your overall health and enjoy healthy skin and clean facial products.

We have just the solution for you!

We’re excited to introduce Karla Parker, Natural Wellness Consultant and Clinical Herbalist to our Spring Workshop Day on March 23.

Immerse yourself in a day of holistic learning led by Natural Wellness Consultant Karla Parker.

Register today using the link below:

Join Now

Register Today

Workshop Highlights:

First Workshop: Discover Medicine in Your Food!

Are you looking for a simple way to ensure you’re getting a wide variety of nutrients in your diet? Look no further than your local market box filled with food from Farmer Reuben! Join us for an enlightening workshop with Karla Parker, known as “The Artful Herbalist,” as she shares the benefits of fresh, locally grown market box food, wellness, and body care products.

Unlocking the Healing Power of Nature with Your Market Box

Karla will guide you through natural remedies and wellness practices, including herbal teas, fermented foods, raw milk and clean animal proteins. Learn how these natural remedies can support your overall health and well-being, and discover the benefits of incorporating them into your daily routine.

Holistic and Natural Living: Nutrient-Rich Food in Your Market Box

Preventive medicine is avoiding things that can cause your body harm and that includes what you put on your skin. How many ingredients do you apply to your skin each day? Are your cleaning products non-toxic?

Karla will compare conventional vs. market box products to help you make informed choices for a clean body and non-toxic home. She’ll discuss the importance of sourcing foods, like milk and meat,  and wellness products locally and sustainably, and share tips for incorporating natural living practices into your daily life

Karla will highlight the importance of nutrient-rich foods, such as raw milk, microgreens, garlic, and bone broth, for optimal health and healing. She’ll also discuss the importance of gut health and how fermented foods, such as kraut, kefir, and kombucha, can support a healthy gut microbiome.

Discover Medicine in Your Market Box

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Karla Parker and discover the medicine in your market box! Join us for an informative and empowering workshop that will leave you feeling inspired to take charge of your health and well-being.

Workshop Highlights:

Second Workshop: Natural Beauty Care from Your Kitchen!

Karla will reveal the intricacies of skin anatomy and share fascinating skin facts that will reshape the way you perceive your skin. Addressing the prevalent issues with commercial skincare products, Karla unveils the hidden dangers and empowering you to make informed choices for your skin’s health.

Don’t you want to know the root causes of your skin problem? Karla explains the vital connection between skin health and digestive health, blood health, and sleep, offering valuable insights into solutions you can put into practice.  Karla will share her expertise on natural therapeutics for common skin conditions, providing you with the tools to create your own personalized skincare routines using natural ingredients.

By the end of the workshop, you will have gained a deeper understanding of your skin’s needs and the knowledge to craft effective, natural skincare solutions at home.

Workshop Details:

Date: March 23, 2024
Time: 10 am & 1:oo pm
Location: Willow Haven Farm, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Price: $35/ per session for farm members. $45 for non members

Spaces for Karla’s workshop are limited, so secure your spot now to ensure you don’t miss out on this experience.

Register today using the link below:

Join Now

Register Today

Presenter Spotlight:

Immerse yourself in a day of holistic learning led by Natural Wellness Consultant Karla Parker.

Karla’s Background:  Known as “The Artful Herbalist,” Karla Parker, is a clinical herbalist, natural wellness consultant, and graphic designer with over seven years of formal training in herbalism and natural health. Her expertise empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being and live self-sufficiently. Karla has taught workshops independently, at wellness centers, and at The Mid-Atlantic Women’s Herbal Conference. She was the Natural Wellness Coordinator at Wegmans Food Markets for nearly five years. Currently, she works part-time at a local animal shelter and enjoys teaching and graphic design within the natural wellness space.

Offering educational consultations and workshops on soap making, homemade cleaning and beauty products, herbal medicine, dandelion wine, and more, Karla’s workshops are hands-on and practical, providing participants with skills they can apply in their daily lives.

In her personal life, Karla enjoys spending time with her two adult children and two dogs, camping in her self-built camper van, kayaking, hiking, biking, gardening, creating herbal concoctions, and cooking. Her commitment to natural living and her passion for sharing her knowledge make her a valuable asset to the community.

The best way to connect with Karla is via email at artherb @ ptd.net. She also has an Instagram account, @dandeliondigs, where she occasionally posts about natural living, nature photography, and camping.

After participating in several CSAs for many years, Karla moved to a home  “right down the road” from Willow Haven Farm. It just made sense to try the Market Box and she is happy she did!

Workshop Details:

Date: March 23, 2024
Time: 10 am & 1:oo pm
Location: Willow Haven Farm, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Price: $35/ per session for farm members. $45 for non members

Spaces for Karla’s workshop are limited, so secure your spot now to ensure you don’t miss out on this experience.

Register today using the link below:

Join Now

Register Today

Thank you for supporting your local farm.

We’ll keep farming for you!

Reuben and Tessa DeMaster ​​
Willow Haven Farm​​ ​
Directions to the farm